Review: Legally Blonde The Musical at Newcastle Theatre Royal
Omigod You Guys! Legally Blonde The Musical is back in Newcastle
Based on the award-winning film, Elle Woods is on a transformation from It Girl fashionista to legal ace at Harvard Law School, all in the name of love. This production comes from the creative team behind Director Nikolai Foster’s successful Kinky Boots.
As Living North’s Arts Editor I’ve been introduced to many musical remakes of classic films, but this one remains my favourite. Having watched the MTV pro-shot (with Laura Bell Bundy starring as Elle) on repeat since 2007, I’d argue I prefer the musical to the original film… and that’s rare! Sadly I wasn’t one of the lucky ones to see Sheridan Smith’s Elle in 2009, and having never seen the musical live, this is a particularly exciting night for me, and my expectations are high.
One of the reasons this musical is so popular is its soundtrack – toe-tapping tracks which remain so iconic. The opening number sets the bar high and Elle’s Delta Nu sorority sisters are as funny as they are high energy which bodes well for this fast-paced and joyful musical.
Strictly Come Dancing star Amber Davies is our Elle and she enters to cheers from audience members who’ve been looking forward to seeing her in the role. He vocals are crystal clear, her dancing is on point (not easy in huge heels on a raked stage) and her chemistry with George Crawford’s Emmett is endearing.
In fact the whole cast are seriously impressive. Stand-out moments include Karen Mavundukure’s hilarious performance of Ireland in act one with vocals that blow the audience away, the whole performance of There! Right There! in act two, and every single time we’re graced with the presence of Bruiser (played by chihuahua Sprout) and Rufus (played by bulldog Milo). They’re both very well-trained dogs who capture the hearts of the audience throughout.
New audiences are now being introduced to this musical favourite so it’s inevitable that this production has been modernised slightly – smart phone torches instead of candles, selfies, a Timothée Chalamet name drop here, and a Drag Race reference there – but I’m personally grateful that all of the key moments are exactly as I remember them, just with the added pizzazz of an impressive set, cool costumes and a seriously talented cast.
